Description
These Grape Crush Cupcakes are a delightful and fun twist on classic cupcakes infused with the unique flavor of grape soda. Light, fluffy, and vibrantly purple, they are perfect for parties and celebrations. Featuring a grape soda-flavored batter and matching frosting topped with grape candies or sprinkles, these cupcakes promise a burst of grape goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon grape extract or flavoring
- 1/2 cup Grape Crush soda (or other grape soda)
- Purple gel food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Grape Crush soda
- 1/2 teaspoon grape extract
- Purple food coloring (optional)
- Grape candies or sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to ready the baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition for full incorporation. Mix in vanilla extract and grape extract to infuse flavor.
- Combine Batter: Alternately add the flour mixture and Grape Crush soda to the wet ingredients in two batches, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Gently mix just until combined to avoid overmixing. Add a drop of purple gel food coloring if you want a vibrant purple color.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow cupcakes to cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until combined. Mix in Grape Crush soda and grape extract until fluffy. Add purple food coloring if desired to maintain cohesive coloring.
- Decorate: Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Optionally, top with grape candies or sprinkles for a festive look.
Notes
- Grape flavoring can be found online or in specialty baking stores if not available locally.
- Adjust the amount of soda in the frosting slightly to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate to extend shelf life.
